At the 33rd Annual General Meeting of the Japan Sri Lanka Technical & Cultural Association (JASTECA)

Mr. Nimal Perera, President of JASTECA,
Mr. Dayasiri Warnakulasooriya, Chairman of JASTECA Trust
Executives, Secretaries, and Members of JASTECA,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
 
　I would like to congratulate the successful convening of the 33^rd Annual General Meeting of the JASTECA.  I appreciate the kind invitation to this meeting and it is my great honor to be here this evening.
 
 
　First of all, on behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, I express our deepest condolences to all those affected by the terrorist attacks on Easter Sunday.  Japan strongly condemns such acts of terrorism and stands in solidarity with the Sri Lankan people in this difficult time.
 
 
　Ten months have passed since I started my tenure in Sri Lanka and I have been deeply impressed with valuable contribution of JASTECA to strengthening business relations between Japan and Sri Lanka. Especially, thanks to the dedicated efforts of JASTECA, Japanese style management systems such as 5S and Kaizen concepts have spread throughout Sri Lankan industries, thus contributing to improving their international competitiveness, which is indeed very important for Sri Lanka when it is trying to be a hub in the South Asian region and join the global value chain.
 
　Last March, I had the pleasure to participate in the JASTECA Awards 2018 ceremony.  I remember the ceremony continued until very late at night, but the number of participants and their enthusiasm for 5S and Kaizen were very impressive and further convinced me of the great achievements by JASTECA.  I also thought that it was most appropriate and timely for JASTECA to give awards to corporations for their good efforts in CSR and sustainability, which are increasingly relevant to business activities.
 
　I should also mention the JASTECA’s contribution to Japanese language training through extending cooperation to the JLEA (Japanese Language Education Association). Improving young Sri Lankan’s proficiency in Japanese   is, of course, vital to furthering business relations between the two countries. So, I would appreciate the JASTECA’s efforts in this area, in particular, the dedication by Mr. Dayasiri Warnakulasooriya.
 
　Today, by this Annual General Meeting, JASTECA starts another year of excellence.  I am sure that JASTECA will enjoy continued success under the able leadership of Chairman, Mr. Nimal Perera.  
 
 
　Our economic and business relations are on the rise. As an increasing number of Japanese companies have come to Sri Lanka to seek business opportunities, three will be more occasions for Japanese and Sri Lankan companies to enter into business partnership. I expect that JASTECA’s activities of disseminating Japanese style management systems will help facilitate such partnerships.
 
 
　JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) has successfully held several business seminars in Japan with participation of many Japanese companies interested in trading with and investing in Sri Lanka. It is my pleasure to inform you that this coming September, Hon. Malik Samarawickrama, Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade and BOI Chairman Mr. Mangala Yapa will travel to Tokyo for Sri Lanka Investment Seminar held by JETRO. We expect enthusiastic participation of Japanese businesspersons in the seminar as before.
 
　On May 1^st, with the enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor, the new era “Reiwa” commenced in Japan. The name “Reiwa”, which originates from the oldest compilation of Japanese poetry of more than 1200 years ago, literally means “beautiful harmony” and contains the meaning of “culture coming into being and flourishing when people bring their hearts and minds together in a beautiful manner”.
 
　To conclude, I wish all the best for JASTECA’s continued success in the new “Reiwa” era, and I assure you that the Embassy of Japan will continue to extend its fullest support to the friends of JASTECA.
 
　Thank you very much for your attention.